What is Pyromania?

Pyromania is deliberately setting fire to objects with a fascination and relief in burned aftermath. A form of Impulse Control Disorder, Pyromania makes a person suffering from the condition become extremely aggressive and over reactive to general stresses that would otherwise not cause the same response. This form of Impulse Control Disorder is generally more common among males than females, tends to show signs and symptoms around early childhood to early adulthood, and generally lasts in varied episodes. Personality factors and behavior also play into account, as people showing signs of impulsiveness, chronic episodes of frustration and anger or aggression and hyperactivity tend to suffer with Pyromania symptoms more than any other. As the flames become relieving, pyromaniacs do not set fire for money, revenge, social standing or intoxication- they do it because of their unhealthy interest in flames and burning.

Adolescents and Pyromania

Children with Impulse Control Disorders usually grow up around conflict within their homes. Poor parenting, with lack of attention or affection and limited supervision can lead to more planning, a common and long lasting first step for all Pyromaniacs. Children seeking thrills, social interaction and overwhelmed with stress or anxiety tend to suffer from the disorder more often. Parents should pay attention to their children, be aware of warning signs and be sure to be fully involved in their after school activities. Most adults uneducated on the disorder think that Pyromaniac children are burning things to get attention but it is a serious illness, one that needs to be taken seriously and cautiously. Consequences of such Pyromania action include damage to both property and person and the potential legal consequences following an incident.

Pyromaniac or Arsonist

Pyromaniacs are suffering from an Impulse Control Disorder that can result in negative consequences from the legal system. Arson is an intentional use of fire to cause bodily harm or the destruction of property. Arsonists are rarely Pyromaniacs when considering intentions. Pyromaniacs, however, can be legally tried and held as criminal arsonists. Arsonists tend to have a more destructive and intentionally corrupt motive when compared to a Pyromaniac. Many Arsonists use the destruction of fire to break the law in cases included insurance fraud, for hate or revenge, to hide the evidence in more serious crimes, whereas Pyromaniacs, when attached to heinous situations, tend to be unaware or na��ve. Generally Pyromaniacs are more interested in watching something burn, or fulfilling the urge or tension to see flame, rather than hurting someone, though without proper prevention and care following prognosis, the disorder can be twisted into an arsonist intention.

Prevention

As Pyromania is a disorder with few warning signs prior to destructive behavior it is important for parents to stay involved in their children�۪s lives. Staying active and available with open communication will reduce the risk of many mental disorders, especially Pyromania. Teaching proper fire safety from a young age is also important, as children should not fear fire, but know to respect it. Explain the dangers fire can cause and the damage that can affect others. Parents need to keep lighters, matches and other devices out of the reach of children. Recognizing signs and symptoms of Pyromania including an unhealthy interest in fire, talking about fire or asking to light things frequently. Properly addressing the situation may be effective in decreasing severity.

Treatment and Prognosis

One of the best ways to begin treatment is to identify all triggers associated with the personal disorder, allowing the Pyromaniac to avoid potentially difficult scenarios. Many Pyromaniacs cannot be around any fire, including daily encounters such as gas stoves, candles and fireplaces without feeling anxious. When having a moment of fire interest, one of the best things a person suffering with Pyromania can do is divert their thought process away from flames and toward something more productive and positive. Resisting temptation is difficult for all people suffering from an addiction or mental disorder, so if inability to cope and move past the negative and destructive thoughts, medication is available. Drugs that are commonly prescribed for Impulse Control Disorders include the antidepressant medications Clomipramine Placebo and Naltrexone. For those uninterested in taking pills, there is always the 12-step recovery process used for many addicts that tends to show progress for Pyromania as well.

For More Information

• Impulse Control Disorders
• Education & Prevention (PDF)
• Pyromania
• Impulse Control Disorder Statistics
• The Psychology of Firesetting (PDF)
• Pyromania Symptoms
• Acting on Impulse
• Impulse Control
• Pyromania

Where to Get Help

• National Alliance on Mental Illness
• American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
• Impulse Control Disorders Clinic
• Mentaline
• Reducing Arson (PDF)